upon God, therefore, continually seeking to join ourselves to Him through a lifestyle pleasing to Him.

Transcription

1 The Word And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 Celebrating the Resurrection April 2014 Going down to death, O Life immortal, Thou hast slain hell with the dazzling light of Thy divinity ~ from the Matins of Holy Saturday The Angel stood by the tomb, and to the women bearing spices he cried aloud: Myrrh is fitting for the dead, but Christ has shown Himself a stranger to corruption. ~from the Matins of Holy Saturday Through the beauty of Orthodox traditions we prepare ourselves for the greatest celebration of the year the celebration of our Lord s Resurrection! Participation in Liturgical Services, additional attention to our prayer lives, new spiritual readings, projects on the Nativity campus, fasting, etc., etc., etc. Furthermore, many cultural traditions serve in auxiliary capacities to the Church in preparing the faithful for Pascha. The invitation and opportunity to prepare for the celebration of Pascha are abundant, and invite us to a greater journey that is to prepare for the Resurrection itself! Through the Lord s Resurrection we have been provided the conduit to eternal life. Upon our translation from this life into the next we must not only celebrate, but we must experience a complete joining of ourselves to the Resurrection. Through this pilgrimage we will be recipients of all that is good, not for a period of time but for all of eternity! The Church helps us to prepare for the celebration of this reality, as we will at Pascha, and the Church shepherds us to a lifestyle that ultimately leads to the experience of the Resurrection itself. In the above hymn offered in the Matins Service of Holy Saturday, Jesus Christ is affirmed as life and as a stranger to corruption. If we are to prepare ourselves to be participants of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we must strive to also be strangers to the many corruptions that plague our lives. If we wish to estrange ourselves from the corruption of death, we must estrange ourselves from the corruptions of life. Through His Word, God has articulated the lifestyle that is pleasing to Him and that leads to eternal life. Morality is dictated through this Divine articulation, and it is not a relative experience. When we choose to follow God s Divine will by living a life in line with the Gospel message, we are choosing life. When we choose to live our life by virtue of any other motivation, ultimately leading to a conflict with the Divine, we choose corruption. Our journeys to and within a Godpleasing life are diverse because we come from varied life experiences, yet the standard remains steadfast. We may take comfort in knowing that our Heavenly Father is compassionate in receiving our assorted journeys, yet we must root that comfort in the selfknowledge that defines us as dependent upon God, therefore, continually seeking to join ourselves to Him through a lifestyle pleasing to Him. With true pilgrimage to the experience of God we live a lifestyle filled with Light and Life -- a lifestyle that moves us away from the corruptions of immorality that haunt life. Christianity then shepherds us to the experience of the Resurrection and not merely celebrations of it. In the remaining weeks leading to the celebration of Pascha, you are invited to prayerfully reflect upon the areas of your life that have either been affected or even consumed by corruption. You are invited to the life-saving experience of repentance, leading you to the mercy and love of God, which is the only source of healing from corruption. You are invited to not only celebrate the Resurrection but to experience it! In the near future we will gather in the courtyard of our beautiful Nativity campus and proclaim that Christ is Risen! Join us in proclaiming the Light of Christ s Resurrection, not only as pilgrims of celebration, but as pilgrims of the Resurrection! Spring Parish Assembly Meeting Sunday, May 4, 2014 following Coffee Hour Fr. Luke

2 April Divine Liturgies & Readings Date Apr 6 Apr 12 Apr 13 Apr 19 Apr 23 Apr 25 Apr 27 Time Service St. Mary of Egypt Lazarus Saturday Palm Sunday Pascha St. George Theotokos of the Life-Giving Font Sunday of Thomas Epistle Hebrews 9:11-14 Hebrews 12:28-13:8 Philippians 4:4-9 Acts 1:1-8 Acts 12:1-11 Acts 3:1-8 Acts 5:12-20 Gospel Mark 10:32-45 John 11:1-45 John 12:1-18 John 1:1-17 John 1:35-52 Luke 10:16-21 John 20:19-31 KEEP THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS Please use this list to pray for members of our parish who are sick or in need of God s care. The Word Monthly Newsletter published by Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church 1110 Highland Drive Novato, CA Phone: (415) Fax: (415) ncchurch@pacbell.net Fr. Luke Palumbis, Pastor frluke@nativityofchrist.org April 2014 Fr. James Adams Alexandra Edrich Katia Zoe Antonis Fr. Constantine Efstathiu George Fotinos Victor Gavallos James Kolyvas Kathleen Trimble Mackechnie Fr. Haralambos Fox Mary Georgeson Athena Lambo Connie Martigopoulos From time to time, we may remove names that have been on the list for awhile. If you feel a name should remain on the list, or if you would like a new name placed on the list, please contact the church office. Thank You The priesthood is a very great gift of God toward mankind. It is the conduit of the grace of God. ~ Elder Epiphanios Theodoropoulos of Athens ( ) I wish to thank His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, brother clergy, and all those within the Nativity community who directly or indirectly were a part of the Sunday luncheon that was offered in honor of my 10th Anniversary to the Holy Priesthood. To honor the priesthood itself is a most worthy and prayerful act. I am grateful that as a manifestation of this prayer we were able to offer a monetary gift to our Seminary, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, where young men are continually cultivated toward the priesthood. I pray that as clergy and laity together, we may always recognize the dignity and grace found in the priesthood and venerate it appropriately! Thank you for your continued honoring of the Lord s priesthood! In His Service, +Father Luke In this Issue: Message from Father... 1 Services & Readings...2 Prayer List...2 Parish Activities & Ministries Stewardship Holy Friday Retreat...7 Palm Sunday Flyer...8 Festival Cooking Schedule Calendar...9 Anastasi Flyer...10 Festival Food Pre-Orders...11, 12 Pentecost Glendi...13 Festival Program Book...14 Sacraments & Rites

3 Parish Activities & Ministries Philoptochos Membership We will keep our Membership Drive going until we reach our goal of 120 members. As of March 18 we have 81 members, leaving 39 members to reach our goal. Your support means the world to the charities we support, so please send in your form today. Your membership counts, no matter what the amount, and has a significant impact of the lives of those who are in need and less fortunate. Attendance at meetings is not a requirement to be a member. If you have already joined, God bless you for your support. Membership forms are available in the Narthex and in the church office. Please do not wait; send in your membership today! Scholarships Every year Philoptochos has three $1000 scholarships available to graduating high school students, continuing college students or returning students whose families are stewards of our church. Students must be carrying at least 12 units (8 units for graduate students). The application with grade and transcript requirements as well as written narrative and character reference instructions is available in the church office. The application with all supporting documentation must be submitted by May 18th. Recipients will be announced on Sunday, June 1. Coffee Hour Tyropita Luncheon We would like to thank Sophia Stathis, Kay Simon and the Philoptochos Board for a very delicious luncheon. The proceeds will help support our many charities. We would like to thank everyone who brought in goodies during the month of March. Unfortunately, it was just two people; hopefully, more people will step-up next month. This helped us with unhosted coffee hours. Our signup sheet is back up on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall, and shows the Sundays that are available for you to sign up and host your special coffee hour. Hosting a coffee hour is easy because we want to keep it simple, so there is no pressure. It s a lovely way to greet (and meet) other parishioners in our church community. Coffee and drinks are provided. We realize that many of our members fast in different ways, taking into consideration what works best for their individual situation. During Lent, if you would like to bring in a food item for coffee hour, please indicate if it is Lenten so we can label any non Lenten items for those adhering to a strict fast. Special Coffee Hour A special luncheon was held to celebrate Father Luke s 10th year anniversary of his ordination to priesthood. The Philoptochos Board, Parish Council and the Sunday School all contributed to the delightful event. A big thank you to Sophia Simos for making the delicious cakes and to Stacey Weeks and Cindy Daifotis for organizing the meal. The proceeds raised will go to the Holly Cross School Hellenic College in Father Luke s name. Palm Sunday Luncheon Don t miss out: Our traditional Palm Sunday Luncheon will be held on April 13th after Liturgy. The proceeds from this luncheon will help fund donations to charities that Philoptochos supports. Please see flyer on page 8. April Birthday Wishes To: Kiki Gounaris 4/1, Stassie Sideris 4/1, Karen Keller 4/10, Cathy Banks 4/13, Gigi Pappas Medan 4/23, Stella Stenros 4/29 Dates to Remember Apr 3 General Meeting 6:30 pm Apr 12 Decorate church after Liturgy Apr 13 Palm Sunday Luncheon Apr 17 Wrap eggs after Liturgy Apr 18 Decorate Epitaphion 9:00 am Youth Religious Education News Saturday of Lazarus Liturgy and Palm Cross Making, Saturday, April 12 Students and families, come join us for Liturgy and then Palm Cross Making afterwards. A Lenten Lunch will be served. Altar Boy Retreat, Saturday, April 12 All Altar Boys and those interested in serving as altar boys please join Father Luke for one hour after the Saturday of Lazarus Liturgy for an Altar Boy retreat for fellowship with one another and to learn more about the responsibilities for serving during Holy Week and Pascha services. Oratorical Festival Coming Soon Our parish Oratorical Festival is coming soon. All students in grades 6 through 12 are encouraged to participate. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore a topic of our faith, write a speech on that topic and present it to our community. Parents, please encourage your children to join the festival. Each student who participates by presenting at the festival can earn themselves a $100 scholarship and a matching $100 donation to the church. Toddler Sunday School Has Arrived! Thank you to Angie Kokalis and Meredith Passaris, our newest Sunday School Teachers. These wonderful ladies have brought back the toddler Sunday School class, so parents with very young ones, please bring your children to the toddler room for some faith and fun right after communion. Holy Friday Retreat Students: please join us for a full day of activities and Lenten reflection in preparation for Holy Pascha. Please see flyer on page 7 for more details. If you need a note to excuse you from school, ask your parents to contact Fr. Luke. Youth Activity Sundays We continue to have very successful Youth Activity Sundays. Our past two multi-age lessons centered around our seminary and the priesthood. Our children put together a care package of hand written letters and illustrations as well as a hand 3 Continued on Page 4

4 Parish Activities & Ministries Continued from Page 3 Youth Religious Education News painted icon (every child who came to this activity helped to paint the icon--thank you Zana Howard for leading this portion of the activity and putting the icon together so beautifully for the children to paint) of St. Nectarios to send to our adopted seminarian, Kevin Nectarios Newcomb. The following Sunday, our children continued to discuss the seminary and priesthood, learned an Orthodox Christian celebratory hymn, God Grant You Many Years which they sang to Fr. Luke on the occasion of his 10th Year Anniversary as a priest, and presented him with a book of heartfelt letters and congratulations and hand-drawn illustrations. Our high school students are showing great leadership in teaching the younger students during these most important and engaging workshops. The joy on every child s face is heartwarming; all the children enjoy learning from one another and cooperation and fellowship are beautifully evident. Our next Activity Sunday is on April 6th. We look forward to another wonderful day of community and learning! Ascension Cathedral week-long sleep away/overnight camp, June 14 to St. Nicholas Ranch week-long sleep away/overnight camp in Dunlap, CA. Visit sf.goarch.org for more details. Various weeks in July. Updates from the Classrooms: Practicing Prayer Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth graders are learning a most meaningful Lenten prayer, the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian, and discussing how they can fast from things that direct our attention away from God and feast on things that draw our attention and focus on God. Fifth and Sixth graders have also started to learn the prostrations that go with this beautiful prayer. Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian: O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, faintheartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. Give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. Yea, Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors and not judge my brother, for Thou are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen. First and Second graders are learning an equally beautiful and reflective prayer of St. Patrick that focuses on Christ and our relationship with Him. St Patrick s Breastplate Christ, be with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every one who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me. Christ is every ear that hears me. Salvation is of the Lord, Salvation is of the Christ, May Your salvation, O Lord, be ever with us. Ask your child to share with you what they have learned in class and talk together about how it can be applied in our everyday life. Youth Education Sunday Calendar April 6: Youth Activity Sunday April 12: Saturday of Lazarus (Palm Cross Making) April 13: Youth Education Sunday Palm Sunday April 16: Wednesday: Holy Unction April 18: Friday: Great and Holy Friday Retreat April 20: Holy Pascha April 27: Youth Education Sunday May 4: Youth Activity Sunday May 11: Youth Education Sunday Mothers Day May 18: Youth Education Sunday- Last day of classes/endof-year Presentations Summer Camps at Nativity and Beyond This summer Nativity will host both a Bible Day Camp (June 16-20) and a Basketball Camp (July 27-August 8). Look for more information to come soon! Other Orthodox Christian Camps around the Bay and beyond: Faith and Fun Day Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Brotherhood Way. Ages 4 through 12. June 23 through June 27. For more information contact John Skinas jskinas@holytrinitysf.org. Visit All Religious Education Students from Kindergarten through High School are invited to join us on Great and Holy Friday, April 18, for a journey of faith...for a day of prayer, of fasting, of fellowship and learning. Our retreat will begin at 10:00 am and end with the Apokathilosis (the service of taking Christ down from the cross), which ends at approximately 4:30 pm. Those who are able are encouraged to attend The Royal Hours Service at 8:30 am, before the retreat begins. Help prepare yourself, your friends and our church community for the Paschal Celebration. Registration forms will be mailed soon and will be due Sunday, April 13. Call the church office if you need further information. 4 Great & Holy Friday Retreat for Sunday School Students

5 Parish Council Notes Finances in the Clouds The transition of the church s financial records to online storage servers ( the cloud ) has occurred. The finalized conversion to QuickBooks Online allows members of the finance committee greater ease of access to complete their tasks, while being able to download current documents as needed. Also, this conversion will allow for the efficient production of community financial documents of greater clarity. Six Degrees of Connectivity between Your Stewardship Card and the Parish Assembly At the May 4th Parish Assembly, several important proposed revisions to the Nativity of Christ Parish By-Laws will be discussed and voted upon by stewards in good standing. The Uniform Parish Regulations, which guide all churches within the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, require a submitted pledge card and current stewardship of any person wishing to cast a vote at a Parish Assembly. At this time of the year, the expectation is that a stewardship card has been submitted for the current year. As of March 14, 172 stewardship pledges have been received. There is no time better than today to send in your 2014 stewardship pledge card. Collaboration Makes for a Glorious Event With the fabulous support of the Philoptochos Society, the Parish Council and individual contributors, the community celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the Ordination of Father Luke. The efforts of the boards of both organizations created a truly celebratory atmosphere and helped raised over $1,000. All funds raised have been donated to Father Luke s favorite cause, the Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. The Parish Council is thankful for the efforts of Spiro Stratigos and Rose Hunter in serving as council liaisons for this event and coordinating its efforts with the Philoptochos Society. Second of Three Notices As noted in the March Parish Council notes, May will be the last month the church bulletin will be routinely sent via snail mail. While solitary letter postage is still a good buy at forty-nine cents, it is a substantial amount of dollars when multiplied by thousands over a 12-month period. As part of the 25th anniversary of the world-wide web, will be become the primary delivery source of our church bulletin in June. Should any parishioner with an address feel their personal needs require a hard copy via mail, he/ she is encouraged to contact communication liaison John Stockton at parishcouncil@nativityofchrist.org or the church office at (415) Committing to the Best Food Festival Ever All members of the Parish Council are stepping forward to assist in every aspect of the Marin Greek Festival. The more hands that get involved, the greater will be the camaraderie and smooth flow of the prep days and break-down day. Consider signing up to help early for as many areas of need as possible. Hints for Summer Planning 2014 Marin County Fair (Gyro Booth) July 2-6 St. Nicholas Ranch Camps July 6-12, 13-19, and Church Youth Bible Camp - June (9am-noon) Basketball Camp July 28 August 1 and August 4-8 (9am-noon) These are great ways for community members to stay in touch with each other and the church during the summer months. Young Adult Basketball Team Nativity young adult basketball players are playing in the OYAA (Orthodox Youth Athletic Association) league. Their first game was on Sunday, March 9, with Annunciation. It was an exciting game, with our team edging the opponents out in the last seconds to win Here s Nativity s 2014 schedule. Come cheer on our boys! Sunday, March 30, at 3:00 versus St. Nicholas SJ at Holy Trinity Thursday, April 3, at 9:00 pm versus Annunciation at Annunciation Sunday, April 6, at 4:00 versus Holy Trinity at Holy Trinity Sunday, April 27, at 3:00 versus Annunciation at Annunciation 5

6 2014 Stewardship Campaign Stewardship is caring for the needs of others. Stewardship is offering one s self to God as He offered Himself to us. Stewardship is what a person does after saying, I believe... as proof of that belief. - Williams and McKibben, in Oriented Leadership To those who have articulated their stewardship to the Lord by completing a 2014 Commitment Card to Nativity, may our Heavenly Father receive your stewardship and continually increase the grace that He bestows upon you and your household. To those who are yet to make this commitment, know that your stewardship your response to God s grace has a profound impact on your soul and the lives of those around you. By joyfully responding to His grace, you become an instrument of Light, Life and Love. With the love and support of the Church, you are invited to this experience by becoming a steward today by completing the 2014 Commitment Card found in this edition of The Word, and returning it the church office Stewardship Update March 24, 2014 Number of Commitment Cards Received 178 Total Amount Committed $161,986 Budgeted Goal $206,688 Stewardship Commitments Received between 2/24/14 and 3/24/14 Camamis, Constantine Camamis, Dina Commick, Ann Cunningham, Kenn & Elaine Delfino, Ken & Carrie Efstathiu, Paul & Kristen Jacoby, Nicholas & Eileen Karas, Tom & Eleni Natsios, Isidore & Joanna Nichols, Toula Panagotacos, James & Diane Protos, Dora Tocmakidis, Peter & Pinelopy Thank You We thank those listed above, as well as the others previously listed, for their response to the 2014 Stewardship Campaign. 6

7 GREAT AND HOLY FRIDAY RETREAT Friday, April 18, :00 a.m. Registration Form (This form is due by Sunday, April 13) Name(s): Parent Signature: Please send ths form to: HOLY FRIDAY RETREAT Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church 1110 Highland Drive Novato, CA QUESTIONS? Please contact Vickie Mavromihalis at (415) or Karen Walters at (415) or And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. And they divided His garments and cast lots. And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God. The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, and saying, If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself. And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: This is the King of the Jews. Luke 23:

8 Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon Sponsored By Philoptochos Sunday, April 13, 2013 Immediately Following Divine Liturgy Complete Fish Dinner Adults $15.00 (fish, pasta, vegetable, salad, bread,dessert, wine and soft drinks) Kids Meal $5.00 (ages 6 to 16) (fish sticks, pasta, carrots and drink) Proceeds to benefit The Philanthropic Work of Philoptochos 2014 Marin Greek Festival Cooking Schedule March Thursday, March 27 Prep Grape Leaves 4:00-6:00 pm Saturday, March 29 Dolmathes Assembly 9:00 am-5:00 pm April Wednesday, April 2 Moussaka Prep Egglplant 11:00 am-5:00 pm Monday, April 7 Galaktobouriko Assembly 8:00 am-4:00 pm Thursday, April 24 Moussaka Prep Meat 4:00 pm-6:00 pm Saturday, April 26 Moussaka Assembly 9:00 am-5:00 pm Monday, April 28 Koulouria Assembly 8:00 am-4:00 pm May Thursday, May 1 Melomakarona Assembly 8:00 am-4:00 pm Saturday, May 3 Pastitsio Assembly 9:00 am-5:00 pm Monday, May 5 Diples Assembly 8:00 am-4:00 pm Thursday, May 15 Kourabiethes Assembly 8:00 am-4:00 pm Friday, May 16 Chicken/Lamb Marinate 3:00 pm-8:00 pm Monday, May 19 Baklava Assembly 8:00 am-4:00 pm Wednesday, May 21 Kataifi Assembly 12:00 noon-6:00 pm Please come and join us even if you can't stay for the entire time. Every hour helps! Schedule subject to change To sign up: Go to Signup Genius website at Or contact: Cinday Daifotis Daifotis@comcast.net Stacey Weeks staceyweeks@gmail.com 8

9 NATIVITY OF CHRIST C H U R C H C A L E N D A R V APRIL SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY th Sunday of Lent St. John of Climacus Divine Liturgy Sunday School follows 5th Sunday of Lent St. Mary of Egypt Divine Liturgy Sunday School follows Festival Committee Meeting following Palm Sunday Divine Liturgy Sunday School follows Bible Study 10:00 am Parish Council Meeting 7:30 pm Presanctified Liturgy May 1 Liturgy of St. Basil Royal Hours 8:30 am Palm Sunday Luncheon Service of the Bridegroom 7:00 pm Holy Pascha Easter Sunday Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! Service of Agape 11:00 am Easter Egg Hunt following Service Sunday of Thomas Divine Liturgy Great Compline 6:00 pm Great Compline 6:00 pm Great and Holy Monday Service of the Bridegroom 7:00 pm Bible Study 10:00 am Great and Holy Tuesday Service of the Bridegroom 7:00 pm Greek School 4:15-5:45 Presanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm Potluck Following Greek School 4:15-5:45 Presanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm Potluck Following Great and Holy Wednesday Sacrament of Holy Unction 3:00 pm Service of the Bridegroom with annointing of Holy Unction 7:00 pm Philoptochos General Meeting 6:30 pm Great and Holy Thursday The Twelve Gospels 7:00 pm Renewal Monday Renewal Tuesday Renewal Wednesday Renewal Thursday Bible Study 10:00 am St. George, the Great Martyr Divine Liturgy Presanctified Liturgy GOYA Retreat April 4-6 Marin Headlands Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos 6:00 pm Presanctified Liturgy Great and Holy Friday Holy Friday Retreat 10:00 am-2:30 pm Removal of Christ from the Cross 2:30 pm Lamentations 7:00 pm Renewal Friday Fr. Luke attending IOCC Board Meeting in Baltimore, MD 26 3 Lazarus Saturday Divine Liturgy Palm Cross Making following Divine Liturgy Acolyte Retreat following Divine Liturgy Great and Holy Saturday Divine Liturgy Canon 11:15 pm Resurrection Service 11:45 pm Anastasi Fellowship Meal Following Renewal Saturday Greek School 4:15-5:45

10 ANASTASIS FELLOWSHIP EARLY EASTER MORNING, APRIL 20 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CHURCH IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL Please join us after the service for light fare which will include avgolemeno soup, salad, feta, olives, tsourekia, wine and dessert We are thankful for the underwriters of this event. 10

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13 FEATURING Come & Dance! Let s Celebrate Holy Pentecost Saturday, June7, :00pm 11:00pm Nativity of Christ Fellowship Hall 1110 Highland Drive Novato, CA LIVE GREEK MUSIC Dinner and Dancing For Inquiries Call the Church Office (415) ~ Loukas (415) ~ Maryanne (707) ~ Dinner Tickets $60/per person Loukas Papanastasiou, Event Chairperson 13

14 Marin Greek Festival May 23, 24 and 25, Advertising Program Book As is our tradition, we will be publishing an advertising program book for the festival, and we turn to our Nativity family and friends for ads and to solicit your local businesses for ads, especially in Novato. This ad book is a great way to raise money for the festival and to advertise supporting businesses to the 3,000 plus people who attend the festival. Please check the appropriate box: ( ) Full Page. $125 ( ) Full Page (color). $200 ( ) Back Cover (color). $450 ( ) Inside Back Cover (color). $275 ( ) Inside Front Cover (color)... $275 ( ) Center Page (1) $225 ( ) Both Center Pages $400 ( ) Half (1/2) page $75 ( ) Quarter (1/4) page $30 ( ) Friends of the Festival Listing*.$15 (minimum donation) *Please write below how you would like your Friends listing to appear: Ideas for ads in the program book: Advertise your business Express good wishes for a marriage, an engagement, a milestone birthday, a graduation, a new baby Express good wishes with a family page with pictures In memory of a departed loved one ( ) I am attaching a copy of my ad/greeting in its final form for the ad size indicated above. Or, your ad/greeting to: marinfestivalprogrambook@gmail.com ( ) Please create my ad/greeting using the attached information. Name: Tel # Please submit with payment before the due date to ensure inclusion in the program book DUE DATE: April 27, 2014 Submit this contract with your artwork and check payable to: Marin Greek Festival Program Book 1110 Highland Drive Novato CA fax Festival Program Book Chairs Effie Fourakis & Karyn Kambur 14

15 Sacraments and Rites Baptisms February 8 Talos Victor Morales, son of Marlon and Andrea Morales. Sponsor was Matthew Kalabokes. March 22 Maia Marie Haritoudis, daughter of Stamatia Haritoudis. Sponsor was Katina Pantazes. As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Memorials March 16 Paraskeve (Pat) Karavolos; Ulysses Odysseus Orologas; John Ivantcho; Romanos (Raymond) Pezzuto; Angeliki and Stefanos Ivantcho May their memory be eternal. Condolences To John Kalogiannis and his family on the recent repose of his wife, Marie Kalogiannis. May her memory be eternal. Altar Items Through the generous offerings of individuals and organizations within the Nativity Family, many new items have been received. We still anxiously anticipate the beautiful new Chalice Set, and hope to receive it by Pascha! New gold and silver covered Epistle books have been received. A new sterling silver zeon dispenser (holds the hot water that is used in Holy Communion) has been received. Multiple new Altar Table coverings, together with matching chalice covers, have been received in different colors appropriate for varied festal celebrations. Thank you to all those who have made offerings or labored to bring these gifts to the life of Nativity! If you are interested in new opportunities to make a special offering within the Sanctuary, please contact Father Luke directly. HOLY WEEK Throughout the year we eagerly anticipate the experience of Holy Week, as it so appropriately shepherds us to the celebration of the Lord s Resurrection. Intellectually, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, Holy Week delivers us to Pascha in beautiful form when we choose to experience these days to the best of our ability. The following are two reminders with regard to Nativity s journey of Holy Week this year: 1) Holy Friday Retreat we look forward to continuing the beautiful experience of our youth retreat on Holy Friday, which will take place between the services of the Royal Hours and the Taking Down from the Cross. 2) Holy Wednesday We will experience the 4th Bridegroom Service, Holy Wednesday Evening. As we celebrate the Bridegroom services Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday evenings during Holy Week, we will also celebrate Wednesday evening in preparation of honoring and celebrating the Last Supper of our Lord, in the Divine Liturgy the following morning. We will still celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Unction. Unction Service will take place at 3:00 pm, and all families are encouraged to bring their children directly from school, so that as a family you may be anointed with the Holy Unction and receive Sacramental healing. For those who will not be able to attend the 3:00 pm Holy Unction Service, in the context of the evening Bridegroom Service, the faithful will have the opportunity to be anointed. Therefore, on Holy Wednesday, the following schedule of service will apply: The Liturgy of the Pre-sanctified Gifts 3:00 pm The Sacrament of Holy Unction 7:00 pm Bridegroom Service (with anointing of Holy Unction) 15

16 I see Thy Bridal Chamber adorned, O my Saviour, and I have no wedding garment that I may enter therein; O Giver of Light make radiant the garment of my soul and save me. Exaposteilarion for Bridegroom Vespers during Holy Week